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mini robots clean platforms underwater
1 min read | august 20, 2024
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) like this one can eliminate some of the dangers associated with having divers remove marine growth from platforms. They can also save money and time.
Last fall, Gopal Kothari packed his bags and flew across the world on a unique mission.
His assignment? To determine whether a mini ROV (remotely operated vehicle) traditionally used to clean fishing vessels could be used on Chevron Thailand’s offshore assets.The test was conducted in collaboration with the company’s Thailand Business Unit. It showed that mini ROVs—equipped with a patented washing module—can be safer, faster and easier to use for clearing damaging marine growth from subsea structures.
“To see cleaning mini ROVs in action on oil and gas assets was extremely satisfying,” said Kothari, a Chevron technology deployment and adoption manager.
gopal kothari
technology deployment and adoption manager
dive deeper
Marine growth on subsea structures adds unnecessary weight, and it damages coatings that protect against corrosion.
Bravo Marine, a Norwegian startup, is the developer of the mini ROV that’s used for removing unwanted marine growth from subsea structures. It has partnered with Chevron to deploy this solution.
why it matters
Traditionally, teams of divers equipped with high-pressure water jets have cleaned underwater platform structures. However, this method poses health and safety risks and can be time-consuming.
“Deploying the mini ROV will minimize the use of divers for marine growth cleaning and keep personnel safer,” Kothari said.
how it works
![Workers place the mini ROV in a metal basket before submerging it.](/-/media/chevron/newsroom/2024/Q3/mini-robots-clean-platforms-underwater-rov.jpg?h=882&w=1568&la=en&hash=62C85925354068FE4648DE5F0B06B554)
Workers place the mini ROV in a metal basket before submerging it.
During cleaning, the mini ROV’s flexible arms latch onto the platform structure. Each arm features a rotating disk, or scraper, for scrubbing off growth, along with four high-pressure nozzles.
“Rotating disks, along with high-pressure nozzles, remove marine growth at double the efficiency of traditional methods,” Kothari said.
more on that
Mini ROVs are being used for more than cleaning. They’re also used for subsea inspections.
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